Maker's Mark Wood Finishing The Keeper's Release 2025
Distillery: Maker's Mark
122.4 proof
Maker's Mark Wood Finishing The Keeper's Release 2025 is a limited-edition expression from the renowned Maker's Mark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. This bourbon starts with the classic Maker's Mark recipe, distilled from a mash bill of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley, then aged in charred American oak barrels. What sets this release apart is its innovative wood finishing process, where the whiskey is further matured with bold French oak staves to impart enhanced flavors of toasted sweetness and robust oak. The Keeper's Release is part of Maker's Mark's series of wood-finished bourbons, curated by the distillery's wood staves program, allowing for experimentation with different oak types to create unique profiles. Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), it embodies the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, with red wax sealing the bottle as a signature touch. This 2025 edition highlights a bolder oak influence, balancing the wheated bourbon's inherent smoothness with deeper, toasted nuances, making it a collector's item for bourbon enthusiasts seeking innovation in traditional Kentucky straight bourbon.
Tasting notes
Had this at Amil’s house. Loved it.
Reviews
Solid above-average wheated pour with bold oak/spice character. Worth buying at MSRP if you see it; allocated/limited so don't overpay.
Nose: tannic oak, caramel, cherry, toasted coconut, creme brulee. Palate: brown sugar, maple, vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, sweet oak, baking spices. Finish: long, semi-dry, toasted notes, chocolate, cherry, baking spices.
Review rating: 8 / 10
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positive but not hunt
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strong buy
On AmitG's Instadram shelf (@amit).
